News
Monday, 06 September 2010
Kenton Secured!
Last month the fantastic announcement was made that the future of the Kenton Theatre, the fourth oldest working theatre in the country, had finally been secured following the full transfer of the freehold to The Kenton Theatre Management Society.
The sale of the freehold took place six months after the Trustees of the Henley Municipal Charities, custodians for part of The Kenton Theatre freehold, agreed to sell their share to The Kenton Theatre Management Society. This was following lengthy negotiations, whereby both parties agreed to enter into a six month Option to Purchase Agreement in January this year.
On announcement of the news, the Kenton Theatre Board of Trustees expressed their gratitude to all those who have given towards the KENTON for KEEPS Campaign, including to the local company who enabled the purchase to go ahead with an interest free loan.
Kenton Theatre Chairman, Alan Pontin said “The Kenton is one of the town's most cherished cultural assets which will be available for our future generations to act, sing, support and enjoy for decades to come. As Trustees we are merely custodians and we have done our best to make sure we pass The Theatre on to future generations. My board of trustees and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their outstanding support and the Municipal Charities for their professional and supportive resolution."
Wendy Bowsher, Managing Director of The Kenton comments, "I am very proud to have played my part in securing the future of The Kenton Theatre. It has been a tall order to raise £350,000 in just six months especially during tough economic times but as a community we did it. I thank the Kenton Team and our many volunteers for their hard work and dedication in running the Kenton and assisting in achieving the freehold purchase.”
The hope and vision of the Kenton Theatre Trustees relies on the support of not only theatregoers and the local community but also those keen to support and preserve a wonderful historic listed building – a credit to the town of Henley-on-Thames.
The theatre is still accepting donations towards the KENTON for KEEPS Campaign in order to ensure that the full loan is repayed; if you would like to make a donation please visit the website for more information.
